Baghead (2018)

Synopsis

Baghead is a ghost story. Kevin is haunted by grief and has questions that only the recently deceased can answer. His search takes him to the most unremarkable of locations, a grotty storage room at the back of a rundown pub. However, what he finds there is anything but unremarkable. He is introduced to Baghead, a shape-shifting witch who can channel the dead in a most unusual manner and maybe provide Kevin with the answers he seeks.

Review

We've been lucky enough to see Baghead while it's still on the festival circuit and it sure is winning a number of awards - so is it any good?

Beginning with Kevin entering a rundown pub, this wonderfully atmospheric short film drips with foreboding. The barman - who turns out to be the Gatekeeper - warns Kevin that nothing good will come of this. But Kevin has the money - and the determination. He wants to talk to the dead. The direction here is spot on. Alberto Corredor (in his directorial debut) has an eye for creepy. Surprisingly for me, the trailer gives a vibe of horror that is largely played down in the feature, but Corredor does a great job of keeping it so close. Writer, Lorcan Reilly (The Other One), knows dialogue. Very much hinging on both atmosphere and dialogue, it's easy to lose interest in films based around conversation, but this one does it well.

This along with the set design and dressing create a gripping story - and an engaging one.

Acting here comes mostly from three people. Oliver Walker (Atlantis) does a sold turn as Kevin. He bounces around the range of emotions well, and deals with the realities believably. Natalie Oliver (Immure) lands the performance as Lisa - both confused and terrified. Scene stealer is Julian Seager (Death Race 4) as the Gatekeeper - delivering the lines with a punch and gravitas needed on screen.

All round, the quality of Baghead has a superior feeling to it - certainly a feel of big money Hollywood. Most of the cast and crew have done amazing work with little listed experience, and I must say, I can't wait to see more from each of them.